Episode 10

full
Published on:

18th Feb 2025

10: The Business of Creativity: How to License Your Art, Overcome Blocks, & Navigate Burnout with Lizzie Clark

What transforms a creative passion into a sustainable career? For surface pattern designer Lizzie Clark, the journey started with a love for collage and evolved into a thriving business in licensing and textile design. With years of experience navigating the creative industry, Lizzie has built a business that blends artistry with strategy—proving that with the right approach, creativity can be both fulfilling and financially sustainable.

From Passion to Profit: Making Art Work for You

When does hobby art become a viable business? For Lizzie, the breakthrough came by reimagining her collage work as repeating patterns, ultimately finding her niche in surface pattern design.

Actionable Insight: Look at your current creative work through an entrepreneurial lens. Could your existing art live in multiple formats or markets?

Bonus: Research three brands or retailers that license artwork similar to your style and explore their submission guidelines.

Find Creative Freedom Through Diversification

Building a sustainable creative career isn't just about creating multiple income streams—it's about creative autonomy. Lizzie has strategically built her career by exploring various artistic opportunities and revenue channels.

Actionable Insight: Brainstorm potential ways to sell your creative work. What unexplored avenues might complement your current practice?

Bonus: Identify one new revenue stream (such as licensing, teaching, or collaborations) and outline three steps to start testing it.

Overcome Creative Blocks & Burnout

Creative roadblocks are universal. Lizzie’s approach involves strategic disengagement, seeking inspiration in unexpected places, and maintaining artistic flexibility.

Actionable Insight: Recognize when you need a creative reset. Design personal strategies for reconnection and inspiration.

Bonus: Create a "creativity restoration" toolkit with five things that help you recharge—whether it’s a playlist, nature walks, or a different artistic medium.

How to Navigate Copyright, Art Theft, and AI

Our digital world is changing rapidly so it's essential to understand intellectual property. Lizzie shares pragmatic insights about protecting her creative work in a complex and evolving landscape.

Actionable Insight: Proactively research and implement digital protection strategies for your work.

Bonus: Learn about one legal tool (like watermarks or copyright registration) that can help protect your art.

Align Your Art & Business with Purpose

Understanding what motivates you creatively provides a lot of clarity. Lizzie emphasizes aligning your business practices with your artistic values.

Actionable Insight: Talk about the deeper purpose behind your creative practice.

Bonus: Write a one-sentence mission statement that captures why you create and share it with your audience.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Creative careers evolve through adaptability

✅ Diversification enables artistic freedom

✅ Strategic breaks prevent creative exhaustion

✅ Intellectual property protection is essential

✅ Authentic motivation sustains creative work

Turn Your Creativity into a Thriving Business

Want to make your art work for you? Book a free strategy session at TheStandoutCreatives.com to take the next step.

📌 Note: I keep these sessions limited so I can give each person my full attention—so don't wait too long!

Show artwork for Standout Creatives: Business, marketing, and creativity tips for solopreneurs launching their ideas

About the Podcast

Standout Creatives: Business, marketing, and creativity tips for solopreneurs launching their ideas
Actionable tips and stories to help your creative business thrive and stand out.
Feel stuck in the endless juggle of running a creative business? I'm Kevin Chung, your creative business host, and this podcast is your guide to thriving without losing your spark.

This podcast is for you if you find yourself asking questions like:
- Are you juggling creative work and the demands of running a business?
- Do you feel overwhelmed by launching a product or course?
- Struggling to find a marketing strategy that feels authentic to you?
- Looking for ways to grow without burning out?
- Wondering how to balance business success with your creative passion?

Each episode dives into practical strategies, inspiring stories, and actionable tips from fellow creative business owners—whether you’re prepping for a big launch, scaling your business, or simply trying to sell with integrity. Learn how to stand out, grow with intention, and build a business that feels as good as it looks.

(Formerly known as Cracking Creativity Podcast)

About your host

Profile picture for Kevin Chung

Kevin Chung

Meet Your Host & Creative Guide

Hi, I'm Kevin Chung. With over 15 years of experience in web design, digital marketing, and email marketing, I’m passionate about helping creatives like you build standout businesses while staying true to your artistic vision.

If you need someone to help you implement these strategies in a way that resonates with your specific journey, let’s chat one-on-one!

Here's how I can help make your business stand out:

- Pinpoint your challenges: We'll identify the key areas that are slowing you down or causing overwhelm.

- Tailored action plan: Walk away with a personalized plan that fits your business and creative goals.

- Real, actionable advice: No pressure—just straightforward, practical guidance you can start using right away.

Visit thestandoutcreatives.com to book a call.